Connecticut Senior Ride Discount Program: Cheap Transportation through The Encompass Program

According to CT Insider, there are over 582,815 people aged 65 to 84 in Connecticut. With many on a fixed income, it is necessary to provide affordable options for their basic needs, such as transportation for getting to medical appointments, getting groceries, or any other needs. The freedom to get around town is a necessity, and when you cannot drive yourself, you can feel trapped. Thankfully, a cheap senior ride program has emerged to help.

$5 Rides for Seniors & People with Disabilities

Are you or your loved ones in Connecticut looking for an affordable way to travel to medical appointments, social gatherings, or daily errands? The Encompass Program, offered by M7 in partnership with Greater Hartford Transit District, is here to help seniors and individuals with disabilities enjoy the freedom of travel without the stress and high costs associated with transportation.

Are You Eligible?

Passengers must be approved through an eligibility process managed by your local Transit District.

Eligible applicants must be at least 60 years young or have a disability. Once approved, M7 will create your personal online account to manage expenses and view your travel history.

What is The Encompass Program? The Encompass Program provides on-demand, door-to-door transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities in the Greater Hartford and Greater New Haven areas. It’s designed to fill transportation gaps with a reliable and cost-effective solution, ensuring that mobility challenges don’t keep you from accessing necessary services.

The Encompass Program can cater to the diverse needs of Connecticut seniors, with the largest fleet of wheelchair-accessible vehicles in the state.

Greater Hartford

For Service in the Greater Hartford area you must reside in one of the following towns:

Avon, Berlin, Bloomfield, Bristol, Cromwell, East Hartford, Ellington, Farmington, Glastonbury, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, New Britain, Newington, Plainville, Rocky Hill, South Windsor, Tolland, Vernon, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, or Windsor Locks

Greater New Haven

For service in the Greater New Haven area you must reside in one of the following towns:

Bethany, Branford, East Haven, Hamden, New Haven, North Branford, Northford, North Haven, Orange, Wallingford, West Haven, and Woodbridge

Key Features of the Encompass Program

Cost-Effective: Passengers pay only $5 for trips up to 8 miles, with each additional mile costing $2.90. This makes Encompass an affordable option for many, especially on a fixed income.

Flexible Scheduling: Rides can be scheduled anytime, 24/7, without the need for advance reservations, providing flexibility and convenience for spontaneous or planned travel needs.
Simple Booking: Booking a ride is straightforward — either online or by phone, making it accessible even for those who are not tech-savvy.

Schedule a Trip

Once you’ve been approved — passengers are free to schedule transportation by booking online or by phoning our Call Center at 860-444-4444. Our technology will then calculate the trip cost to book your ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How did Encompass get started?
Encompass began in June 2021 as a pilot program to fulfill passenger transportation voids within the elderly and disabled communities. It is a true example of how public and private entities can partner with each other to envision and create responsive transportation services for passengers who need it the most. Encompass provides an on-demand private car service with door-to-door service and fully trained vetted drivers, all at about half the taxpayer cost of the prevailing Transit District services.
2. How do I apply?
You can apply online by first selecting your service area.
3. What type of payment is accepted by Encompass?
All trip payments will be made online through your personal Encompass account. You can easily load funds into your account via credit card payments or direct bank transfers. As the ride ends, the trip is automatically paid and you simply exit the vehicle.
4. Can I schedule recurring trips?
Yes, but not online. You must speak to a customer care person to make those arrangements.
5. Can I have others ride with me?
Absolutely, up to three passengers can ride for the price of one. However, the Encompass member must be one of the passengers. Please remember to travel with your Encompass photo ID.
6. How do I cancel a trip?
You can cancel your trip by phone or online.
All cancellations must be made at least 1 hour in advance of the scheduled pick up time to avoid a $5 charge to your account. No-shows cause delays and inconvenience fellow members.

Benefits for Seniors and People with Disabilities

Affordability: The low-cost structure is budget-friendly, especially for seniors or individuals who frequent medical appointments or require regular transportation.
Accessibility: Vehicles are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, ensuring that physical mobility limitations aren’t a barrier to traveling.
Independence: Provides a sense of independence by offering a reliable transportation method that can be used for various purposes, from health-related visits to leisure outings.

Peace of mind is assured knowing that each driver is fully trained and vetted, and that all vehicles are fully licensed, inspected and insured.

How to Get Started: Residents interested in utilizing the Encompass services must undergo an eligibility process managed by their local Transit District. Once approved, easily manage your rides and expenses through a personal online account.

The Encompass Program isn’t just a transportation service; it’s a commitment to enhancing the mobility and quality of life for Connecticut’s seniors and people with disabilities. If you’re in the eligible service areas and seeking a dependable, cost-effective transportation solution, consider applying for the Encompass Program today.

For more information or to apply, visit the Encompass Program website or call 860-444-4444 today!